Sale of Skelton house OKd 2011.05.11

With warming weather comes an increase in outdoor activities. Don and Bev Zuvers hope that someone out enjoying spring weather will find a clue to the disappearance of their three grandchildren, Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton.

The Zuvers, along with family friend Kathye Herrera and the Rev. Donna Galloway of the Morenci United Methodist Church, met with media representatives at the church May 3 to remind people to remain aware when they’re outside.

If anyone sees anything unusual, Don Zuvers said, don’t hesitate to call the police. Reward funds of up to $60,000 are available to pay for tips leading to the recovery of the boys.

Investigators have been unable to make any headway in solving the mystery of the boys’ disappearance. Their father, John Skelton, 39, remains in the Lenawee County jail facing charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.

Skelton insists that he gave the boys to a group called United Foster Outreach, but police consider the case a homicide.

The Zuvers urge Skelton to give investigators the information needed to enable police to find the boys.

Morenci police chief Larry Weeks said that staff from the Michigan State Police and the FBI remain dedicated to the investigation and he continues to have contact with the investigators several times a week.

Documents

A Detroit television station obtained police documents listing the items confiscated from the Skelton home following the disappearance of the boys on Thanksgiving 2010.

Station WDIV sued Lenawee District Court to obtain the documents, claiming they are of public interest. Judge James Sheridan suppressed the release of the documents until the investigation is completed or until 180 days have passed, whichever comes first, in accordance with state law.

Personnel from WDIV are not giving the source of the search warrant documents. Chief Weeks said that when items are removed during an investigation, state law requires that a list of the materials removed is kept by police, with a copy given to the court and another left at the search location.

WDIV posted barely legible copies of the search warrant documents on its website. Items include cleaning products, a hunting knife and a rope noose. Skelton claims to have tried to hang himself after giving the boys away to a group.

Chief Weeks cautions people against drawing conclusions from the list of items confiscated.